Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos)
Imagine walking through the vibrant streets of Oaxaca, surrounded by the scent of marigolds and the sound of traditional music as locals celebrate one of Mexico’s most unique and meaningful traditions—Day of the Dead. Whether you’re a culture seeker or simply looking to experience something unforgettable, Oaxaca’s celebration draws visitors from around the world, and offers an immersion into local traditions like nowhere else.
This guide will walk you through the traditions, must-see events, and our own personal tips for making the most of your time in Oaxaca during Día de Muertos. Whether you’re a cultural explorer or just looking to have an amazing time, Oaxaca is the place to be!
Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, is a vibrant Mexican holiday where families honor and celebrate the lives of their deceased loved ones.
Contrary to popular belief, this celebration is not about mourning but is a joyous reunion between the living and the dead, filled with color, music, and festive offerings. While this holiday is observed throughout Mexico, Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebrations are uniquely special, offering a deeply immersive cultural experience.
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See the Day of the Dead Experience in Oaxaca!
Check out our video to see what it’s like in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead, it is an experience like no other! If we could, we would go back every year. From vibrant parades and murals to amazing food and a cultural immersion, Oaxaca has it all!
Why Oaxaca is Special for Day of the Dead
Oaxaca is known for its deep cultural roots, and the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) is celebrated here with a level of immersion and authenticity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Here’s why Oaxaca stands out:
Rich Indigenous Traditions
Oaxaca is home to a blend of indigenous cultures, including the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. Their influence on the Day of the Dead celebrations is profound, bringing a unique layer of tradition to the festivities that you won’t experience in other regions. Many rituals practiced here have been passed down for centuries, making Oaxaca’s celebration of Día de los Muertos both deeply spiritual and culturally rich
Elaborate Ofrendas
A central part of the celebration is the creation of ofrendas, or altars, built in homes, public spaces, and cemeteries. These altars are grand displays of love and respect, meant to honor the dead. Ofrendas are decorated with marigolds, sugar skulls, candles, and the favorite foods of the deceased. In Oaxaca, these ofrendas are works of art, showcasing intricate designs and personal stories that draw you into the cultural meaning behind the celebration.
Artistic Tapetes (Tapestries)
One of the most visually striking elements of Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebrations is the creation of tapetes de arena, or sand tapestries. These intricate sand designs are crafted directly on the streets and public spaces, often in front of altars or along parade routes. Using colored sand, flowers, and sometimes other natural materials like seeds, Oaxacan artists meticulously create vivid depictions of skulls, religious symbols, and scenes honoring the deceased. These sand carpets reflect the deep-rooted artistic traditions of the Zapotec and Mixtec cultures and serve not just as decorations, but as sacred expressions of life, death, and spiritual continuity.
Vibrant Comparsas
Oaxaca’s comparsas, or street parades, are vibrant processions filled with dancers in traditional clothing, live music, and stunning costumes, often featuring skeletal face paint. These parades wind through the city’s streets, bringing everyone—locals and visitors alike—together in celebration. It’s a high-energy, joyful event that’s impossible to miss.
Cemetery Gatherings
One of the most moving parts of Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebration is the gathering of families at the graves of their loved ones, decorating them with candles, flowers, and offerings. The atmosphere is both festive and reflective, and you can witness these celebrations late into the night as families share food, stories, and music while paying tribute to their ancestors.
Events and Things to Do in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca aren’t confined to a single day; they span several days, each with unique events.
This year, the festivities span from October 26th to November 3rd! If you can, you want to arrive early to be able to truly enjoy all that Oaxaca has to offer to celebrate Day of the Dead.
Visit the Cempasúchil Flower Fields
One of the first things you will have the chance to go and do is visit the marigold flower fields. Marigolds are called cempasúchil in Spanish and are the official Day of the Dead flower. These flowers are used to decorate the ofrendas because their scent is said to help guide the spirits of your loved ones and help them more easily find their way back to be able to visit you on Day of the Dead.
Cultivos El Viejo is a highly recommended flower field to go to, but be sure to go there early on, as by the time the festivities officially begin, most of the fields have been picked, not just for decorating ofrendas, but to also decorate the entire city!
Walk the Andador Turistico (Tourist Path)
The Andador Turístico is a pedestrian street located in the heart of Oaxaca City, stretching from the Zócalo (main square) to the stunning Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church. This historic walkway is lined with colonial-era buildings, art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, and it has long served as a central hub for both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Oaxaca.
Historically, it became a pedestrian-friendly area in the 1980s as part of urban preservation efforts, designed to maintain the integrity of the city’s colonial architecture and encourage tourism while celebrating Oaxaca’s artistic and cultural heritage.
During the Day of the Dead celebrations, the Andador Turístico becomes even more vibrant and festive. The street is often lined with ofrendas (displays of offerings), colorful decorations, and tapetes de arena (sand tapestries), making it a great place to experience the cultural depth of the holiday. Walking along this iconic street allows visitors to soak in the atmosphere and really get into the mood of the holiday.
Visit the Cemeteries
During Día de Muertos, decorating graves is a deeply symbolic act that honors the deceased and welcomes their spirits back to the world of the living. Families place marigolds (cempasúchil flowers), candles, and personal mementos on the graves, creating a space that helps the spirits of the loved ones back be able to visit their families. The decorations, combined with offerings of food and drink, represent all the love and remembrance toward those that have already gone.
When families visit the cemeteries during the holiday, they often clean the graves, arrange the decorations, and spend time together, sharing stories, meals, and sometimes music, in a warm, communal atmosphere. The visits, which occur on October 31st, November 1st and 2nd, are a way to celebrate life, connect with their ancestors, and maintain familial bonds across generations. cemeteries take on an ethereal glow as families come together to honor the dead, sometimes staying at the gravesides until dawn. Traditional Oaxacan music and the sound of prayers can often be heard, adding to the spiritual ambiance.
Cemeteries play a central role in the celebrations for Day of the Dead, becoming a focal point for locals. Visitors who want to experience this special aspect of the holiday will also notice that the celebrations here are more reflective and family-oriented than some of the other, more festive events happening in Oaxaca, providing a unique balance to the high-energy parades and public displays happening throughout the city.
There are several popular cemeteries that are visited every year:
- Panteón General
Located in Oaxaca City, this cemetery is one of the most accessible and iconic places to experience the Day of the Dead. It comes alive with candles, marigolds, and families spending time honoring their ancestors through the night. - Panteón de Xochimilco
The traditions can also be observed to a great or lesser degree at other cemeteries throughout the city, such as in Panteón de Xocomilco, a smaller cemetery with an even more intimate atmosphere. - Panteónes de Xoxocotlán
Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán is a small city just south of Oaxaca de Juarez which happens to have 2 cemeteries that are very popular for visitors to check out during the Dia de Muertos festivities. Both of these are about 25 minutes from the center of Oaxaca under normal non-traffic conditions, but during the festivities be prepared for at least double the time in traffic!Panteón Xoxo
Often called Panteón Nuevo do Xoxocotlán, this cemetery is very immersive. Outside the cemetery you will find many booths with vendors. Easy to get a bite to eat and listen to the live music. Once inside you will find something similar to what you see in the movie Coco. But just be ready to be also fully immersed in heavy crowds!- Panteón Viejo de Xoxocotlán.
This cemetery is less busy and less touristy than the Panteón Nuevo, but it is nevertheless one that can really display the spirit of the holiday as the decorations on the graves here are just as amazingly intricate as in Panteón Nuevo.
Explore the Tapetes de Arena
Tapetes de arena (sand tapestries or rugs) are a key part of Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, symbolizing the connection between the living and the dead. These elaborate sand paintings, often adorned with vibrant colors, are placed in front of altars, along streets, or outside churches and government buildings. Their designs frequently depict cultural or religious imagery related to the holiday, serving both decorative and spiritual purposes. In Oaxaca, the tapetes are crafted to help guide the spirits of the deceased back to their families, providing a beautiful and sacred setting for remembrance.
You’ll often find tapetes displayed in front of the Palacio de Gobierno, the Plaza de la Danza, and along the Andador Turístico during the holiday. These locations feature some of the most elaborate and large-scale tapetes, which become central points for visitors to admire and engage with the cultural heritage of Oaxaca.
Get Your Day of the Dead Face Paint
The skull (calavera) has long been a significant cultural symbol in Mexico, representing not just death but the cyclical nature of life and the ongoing connection between the living and the dead. In pre-Columbian cultures, such as the Aztecs, death was seen as a natural part of life, a transition to a different state of being, rather than something to be feared. This belief is reflected in the joyful and celebratory nature of the Día de Muertos holiday.
Calavera face painting is inspired by La Catrina, an iconic figure created by artist José Guadalupe Posada in the early 20th century. The image of La Catrina was originally a satirical representation of the upper class, but it has since evolved into a symbol of equality in death—reminding us that, regardless of social status, death comes for everyone and we are all the same.
Face painting during Día de Muertos is not meant to be macabre or scary; rather, it is a way to celebrate the memories of loved ones and to acknowledge the beauty and inevitability of death. The designs, often adorned with flowers, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors, reflect the belief that the dead are with us in spirit during this special time.
In Oaxaca, you will find plenty of opportunity to get your face painted at one of the many street stalls. You can easily find them on the Andador Turistico (as pictured above) or near the Zocalo!
Catch the Magna Comparsa
Comparsas are filled with dancers dressed in elaborate costumes, musicians playing traditional Oaxacan tunes, and participants in calavera (skull) face paint. Comparsas pop up here and there all throughout the city streets during the Day of the Dead celebrations. The energy in the streets is contagious, as both locals and visitors join in the festivities, laughing, dancing, and reveling in the joyous atmosphere. These processions honor the dead while showcasing the vibrant cultural identity of Oaxaca, making them a must-see event during the holiday.
One of the most anticipated events is the Magna Comparsa, a grand parade that brings together different communities to celebrate in unison. Typically held in the streets of Oaxaca City, this massive procession includes traditional music, dancing, and large, beautifully crafted mojigangas (giant paper-mâché figures). The Magna Comparsa is not only visually stunning but also culturally significant, as it emphasizes the communal aspect of the holiday—everyone, from children to the elderly, participates in this celebration of life and death. Visitors often describe the Magna Comparsa as one of the highlights of their Día de Muertos experience, with its vibrant energy and deep cultural roots leaving a lasting impression.
Try the Traditional Day of the Dead Bread
Pan de Muerto is a traditional Mexican bread baked specifically for Día de Muertos to honor the dead. This sweet bread is often placed on ofrendas (display of offerings) as part of the offerings to deceased loved ones, symbolizing the life-giving sustenance for the spirits visiting from the afterlife. It is made with flour, sugar, butter, and eggs, and is typically flavored with orange zest or anise seeds, giving it a unique and delicate flavor. Pan de Muerto is not just an offering but also a celebratory food that families share together, making it a central part of the Day of the Dead tradition. It’s a symbolic offering that connects the living with the dead, serving as a representation of the broader spiritual and cultural beliefs surrounding the holiday.
The circular design of the bread as a whole is believed to symbolize the cycle of life and death The decorative cross-like bone shapes on top of Pan de Muerto carry rich symbolism tied to the Día de Muertos tradition. These bone-shaped decorations, which are often arranged in a criss-cross pattern, represent the bones of the deceased, symbolizing those who have passed on and whom the living are honoring. In some interpretations, the bones are also said to represent the four cardinal directions, a nod to indigenous beliefs about the journey of the soul in the afterlife.
In Oaxaca, a special variation of Pan de Muerto can be found that includes caritas (small faces). These decorative faces are meant to represent the departed souls and are a deeply personal way of honoring the deceased, as each bread can represent an individual loved one. The Oaxacan caritas add a personal touch to the traditional bread, continuing the Oaxacan tradition of celebrating death as a natural part of life with both reverence and joy.
Our Day of the Dead Experience in Oaxaca
We had the incredible opportunity to experience Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead firsthand, and it was nothing short of mesmerizing. The streets were alive with color, music, and the sense of being alive.
We arrived 4 days before the offical start of the of the celebration and had the chance to settle in. But our first stop on our list of things to do in Oaxaca for Dia de Muertos was to head to the Andador Turistico! We asked to be dropped off at the northern end of the path, near the Templo de Santo Domingo, where we found the best little coffee shop that we would find ourselves in many more times before leaving Oaxaca!
From there, we walked the path all the way to the Zocalo. Normally this would only be a 10 minute walk, but with everything to see and do (plus taking the time to film for our YouTube vlog) it took us much longer! But we definitely recommned visiting the Andador Turistico for Day of the Dead. You will find so many beautiful decorations and also get to see the amazing Tapetes that take up an entire city block!
Throughout the week, we got to experience many amazing moments and try lots of delicious foods, including the traditional Day of the Dead bread (Pan de Muerto) and the traditional Oaxacan dish called Mole! We joined locals in the city’s Zócalo to watch the Magna Comparsa, where dancers and musicians paraded through the street in costumes and diplays that embodied both tradition, creativity, life, and joy.
We also visited the cemetery in Barrio de Xochimilco. Walking through the decorated rows of graves, we were struck by the sense of respect and care that surrounds this holiday as the locals celebrate their loved ones. It was a beautiful reminder that the Day of the Dead is a celebration of life just as much as it is of death.
We got to shop at the local pop up market that takes place every night outside the Templo de Santo Domingo, experience the Path to Mictlan (the Aztec underworld) outside the Governor’s Palace (as a display of Tapetes that you could walk through at night, and so much more! We captured many of these moments on video—check out our YouTube video here to experience the beauty and magic of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca! Or see our Top 5 Safest Neighborshoods in Oaxaca video to decide on where to stay in Oaxaca for Day of the Dead!
Travel Tips for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Here’s how to make the most of your trip to Oaxaca for Día de los Muertos:
Cash is Key
Oaxaca’s markets, especially during Day of the Dead, are bustling with vendors selling local crafts, food, and decorations. Many vendors, especially the local street vendors only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have pesos on hand!
What to Wear
The weather during Day of the Dead in Oaxacahas an average of high 70s to low 80s. However, when we were there it was mid 90s! Bring comfortable clothing, and above all, comfortable shoes as you will do A LOT of walking!
Participate Respectfully
Book Early!
Accommodations in Oaxaca fill up fast during Day of the Dead, so it’s best to book your stay months in advance. Consider staying in a boutique hotel or an Airbnb close to the city center for easy access to the events.
To see a tour of our favorite hotel in Oaxaca’s Centro Historico, check out our video!
FAQs About Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Q: Is Oaxaca crowded during Day of the Dead?
A: Yes, Oaxaca is a popular destination for Día de los Muertos, so it can get very crowded, especially in the city center. If you arrrive a few days before the main days of Oct 31st, Nov 1st, and Nov 2nd, it will be less crowed. But for certain main events such as the Magna Comparsa expect Disneyland sized crowds!
Q: Can tourists participate in Day of the Dead celebrations?
A: Absolutely. Oaxaca welcomes visitors to join in the festivities, but always with respect for the local traditions.
Q: What’s the best way to get around during Day of the Dead?
A: Walking is the best way to navigate Oaxaca’s streets during the festival, as many roads are closed to vehicles for the parades and events. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes! If you do need a ride, we recommend the Didi app, you can arrange pick up locations and know about the driving picking you up.
Q: What are the dates for the main Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca?
A: While the core of the celebrations happens on November 1st and November 2nd many events in Oaxaca begin as early as October 26th and can extend to November 4th. Make sure to check local schedules for events like parades, live music, performances, and more.
Q: What food should I try during Day of the Dead in Oaxaca?
A: There are several traditional foods to try during Día de Muertos in Oaxaca, each with cultural significance:
Pan de Muerto: This sweet bread is flavored with orange zest and anise seeds, giving it a distinctive aroma and taste. It’s commonly placed on ofrendas (altars) as an offering for the spirits. This bread is a must-try during the holiday, as it’s both delicious and culturally meaningful.
- Mole Negro: A rich, complex sauce made from over 30 ingredients, including various types of chiles, chocolate, spices, and nuts,.mole negro is a famous dish in Oaxaca that’s often served during Día de Muertos. The dish is emblematic of Oaxacan identity and gastronomy, symbolizing the creativity and depth of Oaxacan cuisine. It also reflects indigenous traditions, with ingredients like chiles and chocolate, tracing back to pre-Hispanic times.
- Tejate, a traditional Oaxacan drink made from aize, cacao, and mamey seeds, is another must-try during Día de Muertos. This ancient beverage has deep indigenous roots and is often served during the festivities. It is considered an important part of Oaxaca’s cultural and gastronomic heritage and is a refreshing drink to enjoy during the celebrations.
Our Verdict: Is it Takeoff Getaway approved?
Día de Muertos in Oaxaca offers a deeply immersive and unforgettable cultural experience that blends vibrant traditions, indigenous customs, and heartfelt remembrance of the dead. From the intricate ofrendas and colorful tapetes to the lively comparsas and delicious foods to try, every aspect of the celebration connects visitors to Oaxaca’s rich heritage.
Whether you’re savoring the flavors of Pan de Muertos and Tejate or witnessing the beautiful decorations at cemeteries like Panteón General and Xoxocotlán, Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of honoring loved ones who have passed.
For those seeking to experience the authentic spirit of Día de Muertos, Oaxaca stands out as a unique destination where ancient traditions come alive, inviting everyone to reflect, celebrate, and connect with the vibrant culture of this historic region.
